Christmas trade ‘steady’ says head of town chamber

Speaking to the ‘MAIL’ Lurgan Chamber of Trade and Commerce president Simon Dowey was upbeat about the festive period.

He said: “I think that confidence is coming back in trade. Different businesses have different times during the year when they are at their busiest. Not all businesses rely on Christmas, but for many it is an important time of the year.

“From a personal point of view we’ve had a successful Christmas at Dowey’s. The next three months will be very important with the public realm works are due to start up again. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for the town.”

For Mr Dowey, it’s been a particularly busy Christmas with the birth of his daughter Elizabeth Grace. He and his wife were due to have their first child in January but she arrived six and half weeks early on December 14.

“I’ve been back and forth to the neo-natal unit and the staff at Dowey’s have been fantastic in pulling together to get us through a busy time of the year,” he said.

Of his first child he said: “The first date we were given was in February, then it was brought forward to January. She obviously wasn’t for waiting. It was a great early Christmas present.”

Back on the subject of trade he commented: “Christmas has been consistent though it’s fair to say people have not been spending as much money this Christmas.

“For the retailer it’s important to offer people value for money. That doesn’t necessarily mean cheap - it’s about striking the balance between the price you pay and the quality you get.

“Retailers have to adapt to their customers needs and constantly reinvent themselves in order to give customers what they want.”

Mr Dowey added: “I’d like to thank the people who have continued to shop locally and support their town. I’d also to encourage others to do likewise.”

How do you think Lurgan fared during the Christmas period? Text your views to 84555, starting your message with LMCOMMENT.